Drew Barrymore is on the cover and being her usual, lovely self. (One of my favorite movies of all time is the first Charlie’s Angels—a classic!)

Her wild and crazy behavior of the 90s (which if you look at it now–is NO big deal at all) belied a very smart mind and Drew is now a film producer for her own production plus the creator of the cosmetics line Flower. In this issue she talks about mixing high & low makeup brands to get a shimmering look.

If you are looking for a fit tracker to get in shape–be sure to check out this page first to see what is out there as well as the best tracker to fit your lifestyle.

“Jump for Your Joints”

For those with knee issues—here we get a series of exercises to strengthen your joints. They were offered to Women’s Health from Tim Hewett Ph.D., Director of The Ohio State University Sports & Health Performance Institute.

Looking for ideas to put on your wish list? Look for this page featuring fun gym-y kind of things for “Workout Junkies!”

And now the rest of the best of this issue of Women’s Health:

“Domestic Terror” True stories of women being abused by their husbands and boyfriends and tips for getting the hell out of a violent relationship. (Get help if you need it!)

“Blogging: You the Instant Expert” Are you looking to start your own Blog? This feature is really helpful on how you can get started.

“I Survived Being Snowbound in a Car” Women’s Healthtalked to Paula Lane was trapped in her car in the Sierra Mountains with her boyfriend for several days and barely made it out alive. Unfortunately, he did not make it out with her. This essay really got to me.

I have two new online stations that have been rocking my world lately and helping me add to my playlists. Here they are:

WLIR online plays an amazing selection of alternative music from the last 30 years. Everything from the B-52s to Lorde to Depeche Mode. Now, since this is a free online station they get a little too crowded sometimes and you can’t log on. But if you, definitely try them out!

The Peak in Vancouver plays amazing alternative music plus tons of Canadian bands which are new to me and I am finding I really love.

Got that? So let’s get into to today’s playlist which consists of some old and new tunes to get you in the mood to run, cycle and workout harder. Let’s go!

Big Blue Wave:Hey Ocean!

Hey Ocean! Is a Canadian band that released this fun, frothy tune last year. Love opening up with it in my classes.

Pump It: The Black Eyed Peas

One of my students asked me recently “who wrote that Pulp Fiction smash up song?” It took me a minute to figure out what she was talking about!

Come & Get It:Selena Gomez

I just lerve this song to pieces.

Breathing Underwater: Metric

I have said the before but I need to state again how much I regret not seeing this band when they played in New York last year. Will not make that same mistake again!

Rebellion: Arcade Fire

This is one of the best songs ever to climb to or make yourself work harder. It’s fantastic!

Rebel Yell: Billy Idol

OMG this is just the greatest song in the world. How does it get better than “in the midnight hour—she cried more, more, MORE!”

American Psyco: Treble Charger

Yet another Canadian band I was unaware of until The Peak!

Family Affair: Mary J. Blige

I am dedicating this one to my friend Stacy who introduced me to badass Mary J.

Spaceman: The Killers

I like to perform high intensity sprints to this song.

Simple Life:Elton John

This is one of Elton’s lesser known 90s tunes but I love it for long climbs and the lyrics are really inspiring.

Hell:Tegan and Sarah

Hell yeah, I say!

Walk on the Wild Side:Lou Reed

This is one of those pieces of culture that inspired me to move to New York. I spent my whole life in the boring ‘burbs and I was ready to indeed walk on the wild side. (RIP Lou Reed. This city will be much less interesting without you in it.)

That’s all I have today folks. Let me know about some of your favorite songs and radio stations. I am always looking for good tunes.

This week I am following a Facebook meme—“10 Things You Don’t Know About Me” which I have been witnessing the last few days. I absolutely LOVE these lists and do enjoy learning more about my friends by following them so I am bringing that today. Plus, I have a super great DVD giveaway today so let’s get right to it!

First, my news for the week:

I just want to remind you that I have finally put together a Facebook fan page and would LOVE it if you would “like” the page (Here is the Link) Merci in advance!

Very soon I will be blogging for the brand-new website SweatGuru and could not be more thrilled about this. I will post more details of this soon!

“10 Things You May Not Know About Me”

After enjoying other people’s “10 Things you May Not Know About Me” lists I decided to try one of my own. Hope you like it but do not expect anyone to agree with me!

When I graduated from college (San Jose State!) I took the summer off and went backpacking through Europe. It was the best adventure ever.

I have a hard time switching channels if either of the first two Godfather movies, the first two (real) Star Wars films or Baby Boom is on TV. They are all my visual crack and I cannot seem to quit them no matter how many times I have seen them.

When I was 7 years old I had a bike accident and managed to bite through my tongue. (I still have that scar.)

When I was 17 I sliced the tip off of my right pointer finger while working at a fast food joint. (It grew back, like a starfish!)

I have a tattoo of a rosebud on my hip.

Artichokes make me uncomfortable. Just looking at them gives me the willies.

I have never seen one episode of Buffy the Vampire Slayer, How I Met Your Mother or The Big Bang Theory.

I have never seen from beginning to the end any of these films: Dirty Dancing, Top Gun, Mean Girls, The Sound of Music or Love, Actually.

Whenever I hear a Bon Jovi or Sheryl Crow song I have to change the channel. Just do NOT like either of their music. It’s not personal.

I think the following things are overrated: Madonna, Apple Computers, salmon, The Replacements and “Spring” as a season. I mean, come on—every other season is far more interesting and fun!

Now on to this week’s Vlog!

Soooo, are you interested in learning more about the DVD? Here you go! (By the way, the DVD is being provided to me by Anchor Bay Entertainment but I am not being compensated for this placement.)

Develop the Grace of a Dancer, the Strength of an Athlete and a Body That Won’t Quit with the New

“ELEMENT: BARRE CONDITIONING” DVD

Beverly Hills, CA – Barre workouts are among the hottest fitness trend and the new ”Element: Barre Conditioning” DVD brings that experience home using an ordinary chair to take the place of a barre. With two 30-minute workouts on one DVD, barre3® founder Sadie Lincoln gives the moves and the tips on form that will bring about deep changes in the muscles. The results are strength without bulk—the look of a dancer without a single ballet lesson. Filmed in a picturesque garden overlooking the ocean, it’s a perfect ‘me-time’ moment for anyone to indulge their body and mind for the better. Available on Amazon and in stores beginning December 3 2013, it will have a suggested retail price of $14.98, less than the price of a single barre class!

Sadie Lincoln teaches her unique three-pronged approach to women all over the world. It evolves the traditional dancer’s workout by combining the grace of the ballet barre with the mindfulness of yoga and the strength of Pilates for long, lean results in minimal time. When Lincoln says to move the leg “just an inch,” one quickly learns that’s all it takes to bring on the muscle shakes. In barre work, small moves bring big results. Lincoln offers a steady stream of form checks to keep the body aligned to reap the maximum benefits. The DVD offers a Burn & Firm program designed to tone the entire body while raising the heart rate. Starting with isometric conditioning using small, controlled movements, it layers on exercises with larger ranges of motion. It flows and builds heat. It boosts stamina, energy and sculpts that dancer’s physique. The Lengthen & Strengthen workout is a dynamic combination of standing moves and floor work. The goal is always a balanced body; strong and lean.

Sadie Lincoln is a renowned wellness expert, media personality and founder of barre3. From her flagship studio in Portland, Oregon, Sadie has created a unique style of whole-health fitness classes combining the disciplines of ballet barre work, Pilates and yoga. Her modern approach offers serious results, accessible programs and inspiration for balanced living. Lincoln has a master’s degree in education from William & Mary College. She has been teaching fitness for over 20 years. She is married with two school age children.

Check out a clip of Barre Conditioning here:

Got that? Now, in order to win a copy of this DVD (Continental U.S. only!) you must do the following:

The impossibly stunning host of Bravo’s Top Chef graces the cover of the November/December issue and she gives fitness the inside dirt on her dining career. While filming episodes of the top-rated culinary series the former model admits that all of the sampling and tasting can cause her to gain 15 pounds per season. So how does she take it off when filming is done? She follows a clean diet meaning “no meats, no sweets, no alcohol, no cheese, no fried foods, no wheat.”

Padma also talks about staying fit for her three year-old daughter and shares her own recipe for spinach and plum salad. (Nom nom!)

“Shortcut to a Sexy Back”

The very blonde and very shimmery Tracy Anderson (trainer of Gwyneth Paltrow among other glamazons) offers this pretty cool workout to help get your back and rear get in shape. (Be prepared to use light weights and do high reps!)

“Bright Ideas”

Is everyone ready for a fun, colorful holiday gift guide? Me, me me! (I want that “Queen of the Mountain Jacket” from Athleta if anyone out there cares to know. Anyone, anyone?)

“Go With the Flow”

Celebrity trainer Brett Hoebel (The Biggest Loser, Season 11) is a big fan of the Brazilian martial art Capoeira (I only know that from interviewing him for Fit Bottomed Girls!) Here he offers slight adjustments to those very dance-y/boxer-y moves to help get you in fighting shape.

And now the rest of this issue of Fitness:

“Outrun Danger” Yikes! Be careful people! You can be a top athlete (like triathlete Jenny Fletcher featured in this story) and have blood clot issues. Here we get tips on the symptoms of blood clots and how to prevent them.

“Pay Fit Forward” Awwww, these stories of fit women inspiring one another to get healthy made me really happy.

“Rise and Shine!” One year ago I committed to getting more sleep every night and it has changed my life. Fitness offers their own tips and advice on how to get a few more ZZZ’s.

Overall Grade:

A- Can’t wait to see you all in 2014! (Oh no—is it that just around the corner?!)

Boo! Alright you ghosts and goblins—here is my Halloween-themed that I hope you enjoy. I avoided the clichéd stuff like Monster Mash or a “hit from hell” (Hangin’ Tough) and tried to find tunes that are spooky and interesting.

I hope you all have a great week and get tons of candy!

Don’t Fear the Reaper:Blue Oyster Cult

Such a great song and who couldn’t use more cowbell in their lives?

Disco Inferno: The Trammps

If only because I love the defiant way they spell their name.

Psycho Killer:Talking Heads

Everyone loves this song and it has an excellent, consistent beat.

Devil Inside: INXS

Remember how hot Michael Hutchence was?

Dead Man’s Party: Oingo Boigo

This song always reminds me of the Rodney Dangerfield classic Back to School.

Hell: Squirrel Nut Zippers

Back in the 90s there was a resurgence of swing music and this band did it pretty damn well.

Spooky: Dusty Springfield

A cool classic by a white lady from England who sounds like a Southern black chanteuse.

People Are Strange: The Doors

For some reason I have been meeting people lately who tell me they are not fans of The Doors. Just as with Bowie last week I say– “Well, you are just f***ing wrong!”

The Time Warp: The Rocky Horror Picture Show

Of course.

Werewolves of London: Warren Zevon

Such a talented guy and he wrote so many great songs but he is mainly known for this one which I still think is pretty cool. (The actual werewolf in the video is hilarious by the way.)

Are you ready to rock? Do you need some power music to crank up your enthusiasm? Well then today’s list is for you. If nothing else, take the first track listed below and crank it up to 11 and go kick some ass out there!

Whole Lotta Love:Led Zeppelin

This is one of those songs that whenever I start a class with it more than one person will shout out “yes!” The mighty Zep will get your butt in gear.

Leopard Print Pill-Box Hot: Beck

Beck redid a Bob Dylan for a charity album and managed to make it even better than the original.

Radio Song:R.E.M.

OMG—I miss this band!

Can You Read My Mind: The Killers

My absolute favorite song from The Killers—it put me in the best mood whenever I hear it.

Bit by Bit: Mother Mother

Once again I am falling in love with an Indie Canadian rock band. This song kills when played at full volume!

Diamonds : Rhianna

“Shine bright like a diamond!”

Paralyzer: Finger Eleven

Do you know the origin of the band name (giggling like a 12 year-old right now…)

Came Bach Haunted: Nine Inch Nails

One of the best bands I have ever seen live—ever!

Empire State of Mind:Jay-Z & Alicia Keys

Yes!

Ragdoll: Aerosmith

I think this is my favorite of the late 80s Aerosmith (hated the power ballads!)

Bohemian Like You:The Dandy Warhols

If you are not familiar with this band check out the 2004 film Dig—one of the best music documentaries I have ever seen.

Rock Steady: Frank Turner

One of my students recently asked “who is Aretha Franklin?” I made them download this song first.

Year of the Cat:Al Stewart

I love the light piano music in the beginning the then the build to big guitars.

That’s all I have today folks. Let me know about some of your favorite songs. I am always looking for good tunes.

Carrie Underwood whom I just discovered as a kickass singer whose songs are now completely filling up my iPod. Not to sound like a total rock-centric snob but I never really “got” country/pop before but I am becoming a big fan of hers. (Honestly—Before He Cheats totally rules!!!)

Carrie keeps in shape by sticking with a vegan diet and working out as often as she can on the road. She also loves animals and took care of a stray dog last year. (Yay! Carrie!)

Carrie “Favorite Things” include:

Coconut Oil

Ezekiel Bread

Better’N Peanut Butter

Hot Yoga

So what else is in the November issue of Women’s Health?

“15-Minute Fat Blaster”

B.J. Gaddour, CEO of StreamFit.com produced this workout which can be done in 15 or 30 minutes should you want a quick butt-kicker.

“Take Yourself for a Ride”

Have you thought about taking a spin class but wasn’t sure on how to set up your bike? Try out this articles which features tips and a workout plan from Soul Cycle instructor Stacey Griffith.

“You’re Sick—Now What?” Whatever your sickly symptoms—look at this guide on how to get on the path to wellness ASAP. (And if you are really, REALLY sick—keep your butt home and away from the rest of us! Sheesh!)

“Thanksgiving with a Twist” Healthy and tasty Turkey Day recipes are featured here

“I Survived Being Stabbed” Women’s Healthhas this personal essay from Angela Champagne-From who really did live through an attack on her life by a knife-wielding, would-be kidnapper in a Minneapolis garage. Whoa!!

Naya Rivera: The Glee star models in a fashion story that is all about yummy knits and clothes that give me the “happies.” (I love autumn ware!)

Overall Grade:

A Really strong issue with beauty, fashion and lots of workout advice. Loved!

Kelly Rowland is on the cover and she is showing off her buff bod that comes courtesy of her bad-ass trainer Jeanette Jenkins. The two partnered on a workout DVD Sexy Abs Cardio Sculpt that you can catch a glimpse of here:

Check out these core moves with Ms. Rowland playing the role of model.

“Pump it Up”

Try these moves from Crunch trainer Carol Johnson (“Stiletto Strength”) to get your legs and core in top shape for your sexy heels. (Like my new Kate Spade’s pumps!)

“Power Those Miles”

Strength training exercises from ACE exercise physiologist Mark Kelly Ph.D. that will help all of you runners gain power.

“Julianne Moore”

The flawless actress and author will star in the remake of Carrie this month and I CANNOT WAIT to see it.

“Suited to Cycle”

OMG—I love this page that is filled to the damn brim with cute cycling gear! (Be still my beating heart.)

“Get Ready to Row!”

Rowing is catching on in gyms across the country. Try this workout from LA-based trainer Jay Blahnik that will increase your upper body strength and will get your heart pumping.

“Hot Wheels: Burn 650 Calories Per Hour”

If you want to get shapely legs while enjoying the great outdoors—get on a bike dammit! (Cycling has changed my life so I am a bit of an evangelist…) Before putting pedal to the metal check out these tips from APEX Coaching expert Neal Henderson.And now the rest of the best of this issue of Shape:

“1-Move/3-Ways Push-Up” Shape asked trainer Jay Cardiello to show how to work your way up to an awesome push-up.

“The Skinny on Bulk Candy” Candy—–yuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuum. (page 104)

“Juice Joints” Are you into juicing? Check out the reviews here for some of the best-known juice joints in the U.S.

For those of you keeping score, I “broke up” with SELF magazine a few months ago and all of my reasons were stated in my “cri de coer” post this past September. After being a loyal reader for many years I felt that the new look and editorial was aiming too young and low brow. That they were reaching so far to appeal to 20-somethings that they forget about their core reader loves health & fitness and wants to add to their knowledge base.

Well I have to admit that the October issue is a vast improvement upon the last few issues (I have not reviewed SELF since May) and I am happy to feature them on my Blog. Woo hoo! Now, keep it up SELF! Don’t make me shun you again!

SELF Cover Star for October:

Lucy Hale

I have NO idea who she is but for some reason I follow actress Lucy Hale on Instagram. (She seems totally cool and adorable by the way.) Lucy’s trainer (Bryna Carracino) keeps the Pretty Little Liars star in shape with a series of “static holds” which you can see below. Her personal record for a chaturanga is two minutes seven seconds which is pretty damn impressive!

So What Else is in the October SELF?

“I Have a Strong, Athletic Body. I Wish I Loved It”

Here we get an essay from badass squash champion Ivy Pochoda who works hard to stay in shape but gets rude comments about her “mannish” legs. I want to give her a hug and let her know she is a phenomenal woman and not to give in to the body-shaming haters. (Screw them! You are awesome & fierce!)

“Master Class”

CrossFit Coach Megan May shows how to perform a righteous dead lift.

“Shopping Special”

SELF started the whole “pink ribbon” campaign for breast cancer awareness many moons ago and every October they feature “pink” items that will benefit cancer charities. So get to shopping!

“Trainer to Go”

World class trainer David Kirsch shows a few different exercises you can do in a plank position. (Plan on using these in my core classes soon!)

“How Did I Workout Without This?”

Awesome “high-tech gear” that pro football players use are featured on this page and that makes me happy. (Because I love football. Go Niners!)

“23 Minutes”

Say you truly only have a half hour at the gym to workout—these moves from Sean Begley of Plus One Fitness will help you get your sweat on in a minimum amount of time.

The Rest of the Best of the October SELF:

“Fat Talk. Old Talk” Recently I have been thinking more about the “O” word and how much I hate it when people my age or much younger use it to describe themselves. Nice to read an article about I from someone far more eloquent than me! (Writer is Erin Bried)

“Do I Really Have to Stop Eating Bacon?” Good god I hope not! In the October issue we get “Women’s Cancer Handbook” which talks about which “bad habits” you need to nix to ward off disease.

Overall Grade:

B Big improvement over the last few months and I tore out many pages to keep on file which is always a good sign.

It’s a new week and I am getting excited about October. Why? Mainly because I will be officially ending my second Paleo/Whole 30challenge on October 1st –can I get an Amen?!

This time was so much easier for me than last year as I mainly do live a Paleo/Primal lifestyle and keep grains and dairy out of my diet. However, this past summer I felt as if I indulged a bit too much in red wine, fruity drinks and fattening meals and wanted to “right the ship” so to speak. So the past 30 days I have lived completely Paleo and abstained from all processed foods, dairy, sugar, grains and alcohol. The one vice I have not given up is coffee but you do NOT want to see me without coffee. I refuse to go without my caffeine fix in the mornings and will not apologize for that.

And now here we are—on the cusp of October with beautiful, crisp weather and a season of delights to look forward to over the next few weeks. So today I just wanted to give a shout-out to all of the things I am looking forward to this coming month.

Brooklyn Fit Chick 5 Things to Look Forward to in October:

NYC F/N Pop-Up Fitness Event: My awesome fellow Sweaty Betty Claudette Wilkins of the amazing gluten-free treats Cavegirl Confections will be joining two of her fellow badass fitness babes @jazzythings and Krissy Mae Cagney (http://kmaecags.com/) for a popup fitness event (F/N Popup Event) to take place in NYC from October 25-27. There will be bootcamps in Central Park and healthy cooking classes in hell’s Kitchen—cool! Click on this link to get more details and purchase tickets; http://kmaecags.com/events-view/new-york-city-event/ I plan to drop by if that gives you any encouragement!

Danielle Walker “Against All Grain”: After finishing my Whole 30 on September 30th (boo-rah!) I plan to now enjoy some yummy recipes from Danielle Walker’s newest cookbook Against All Grain.

Fitwalker class at Superstar Gym in Tribeca: In the next few weeks I am putting together a group of NYC fit chicks to join me for a Fitwalker class at Superstar gym here in NYC. What is Fitwalker you ask? Well I am going to write about them in full for Fit Bottomed Girls but try to imagine taking a cardio/body sculpting class on a treadmill that you have to power on your own. That’s right—there is no electricity to power the machine—just the power of your legs to get it in motion. (If you are a fit blogger in NYC—let me know if you want to take a class with me at Superstar gym!)

Balega Socks: The good people at Balega sent me a few items to try out (they are well-loved in the running community of their blister-free socks) and I can’t wait to road test them on my bike this coming weekend. Bring it!

Signing up for the Affordable Care Act: Like many folks—my employer decided to not provide health insurance options for instructors who teach less than 30 hours per week so I now need to sign up for insurance through the Affordable Care Act. If you need more information—try the official Affordable Care Act web site. (Hoping there is no government shut down…)

Now onto this week’s Vlog post:

Okay—that is it for me today. Talk to you all next week where I hope to have my giveaways back in motion. Later!